Russia 1812

When they crossed the Nieman in June 1812 as part of Napoleon's invasion of Russia, the 30ème were 93 officers and 3715 men strong, part of Morand's Division of I Corps under Davout. With attrition, detachments and casualties at Smolensk, I estimate that the regiment entered the field of Borodino on 7th September with some 1200-1500 men, although I have not found a return to show an exact figure.

The 30ème were the lead regiment in the first serious attack on the Great Redoubt. Under the direct command of General de Brigade Bonamy, the regiment advanced on this formidable position. Despite coming under intense artillery fire, first roundshot and then canister, they maintained their advance. Bonamy halted the regiment within canister range to reform and then threw the regiment into the assault. They overran a line of Russian infantry and then stormed up the glacis of the redoubt. Climbing in through the embrasures, the men found themselves in a ferocious hand to hand melee with Russian artillerists. After a short but violent struggle, the Russians were driven out and the 30ème had taken the redoubt.

Unfortunately, they were unable to hold it for long; the 12th and 26th Russian Divisions and various other Russian units all simultaneously counter-attacked. After another savage bout of melee the 30ème were forced to withdraw. At the bottom of the glacis, the survivors reformed for another attack, but the rest of Morand's division were not in a position to give them any support, and the remains of the regiment fell back to the rear, taking no further part in the battle.

There were 268 survivors around the Eagle at this point, and they had lost 44 officers killed and wounded. They still maintained their elan, and were able to march proudly under their Eagle. Among the dead was Chef de Bataillon Plaige. As a young liutenant, he had fought in the Revolution, being commended for a rearguard action at Lofurt in 1797, and at Auerstadt as a captain had been specifically mentioned by Colonel Valterre in his report to General de Division Morand.

The 30ème carried on to Moscow with the rest of the Grands Armee, where they were probably joined by outlying detachments and possibly a small number of reinforcements. They then suffered the ordeal of the Retreat, retaining their discipline long after most other units had dissolved. By the time of the Berezina crossing, there were still 143 men under arms, although shortly afterwards, they too had dispersed to find forage.